Restoring Your Zero-Turn Mower

A zero-turn mower makes mowing huge yards and commercial properties a cinch, but even these amazing machines can get broken down and dirty. That doesn’t mean you need to sell or scrap it, though—you can always restore it! We know that sounds ambitious, so our experts at Magnum Power have put together a brief guide to zero-turn mower restoration to get you started. To learn more, or to see the zero-turn mowers we have for sale, contact our store in Lawson, Missouri, today!

Tools And Supplies

There’s some tools you’re going to need to do this right, including but not limited to:

• A continuity tester.
• A voltmeter.
• A welder.
• Screwdrivers.
• Wrenches.
• Pliers.
• Wire cutters.
• Sockets.
• A jack (either motorcycle or scissor will do).

Once everything is repaired, you’ll also want the mower to look as good as it runs. That means you’ll need some extra supplies, such as:

• Primer.
• Paint.
• Brushes.
• Wire brushes or sandpaper.
• Lubricants.

Electronics

You’re going to need to examine your electrical system, since these fickle systems are often to blame for various break-downs. First and foremost, check your spark plugs, which may need cleaning or replacement. Then make sure your ignition switch is intact and functioning. If you need a new one, you’ll have to wire it in yourself. Make sure not to bypass any safety switches during this process! Finally, check the wires and terminals to ensure they’re intact and corrosion-free. 

Fuel System

The fuel system is the next most common factor in a breakdown. Make sure the fuel lines between the fuel tank and the engine are connected properly and are intact. If they are, you’ll want to clean out the tank and fuel lines to ensure there’s no buildup in them causing problems. A bad carburetor can also cause issues, so replace it if necessary. 

If you have to disassemble anything complicated, we recommend taking pictures or videos with your phone of the disassembly process so you can reverse it correctly. 

Cutting Deck

Lift your mower in your jack or jacks, then remove the cutting deck entirely by removing the pins that hold it in place. Look over the drive belt to see if it’s too worn for proper function, which is likely in older mowers. Next, remove the blade and sharpen it to ensure a clean, efficient cut when the mower gets back in action. Look for any tears in the metal deck and weld them together to prevent any further problems.

Clean It Up

Finally, make the mower look like new by removing rust with the wire brushes or sandpaper, which can take a lot of time and effort. Just don’t scrub hard enough to damage the metal underneath.

Next, apply rust-resistant primer and let it dry before you repaint the mower. Allow it to dry again, and you’re ready to roll!

We hope this guide helps you get your restoration started. For more information, or if you want to talk to our maintenance specialists, contact us at Magnum Power. We proudly serve the people of Clay County and Kansas City, Missouri—let us serve you today!